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Unfortunately, most US drivers can be involved in a car accident at any time in their lives.
It's no secret that a crash can cause shock or confusion, slightly injure drivers and passengers, or even have permanent negative consequences on the lives of victims.
However, many people do not know how to proceed when it happens and panic sets in. Some forget that the police are the first entity with authority to approach the scene and start taking action.
With that in mind, many wonder what would happen if a car accident was their fault, but there is no police report. Here are the answers to those questions!
Car Accident with No Police Reports: What Happens?
In most cases, if there are no extenuating circumstances, there will be no police report made after an automobile collision.
People usually forget the reports if it is not necessary to establish who is responsible for the damages because the accident was not serious and the case did not escalate.
However, everyone should keep in mind that filing a report with the police makes any accident a more manageable process if any party was injured and has to contact the insurance company or take action to seek compensation.
People usually see police reports as, fundamentally, just another piece of evidence that insurance companies can use to their advantage to establish liability.
However, those reports can be taken seriously if the case escalates, as there is almost never anyone to see the crash and describe the physical evidence at the scene. Actually, that's the police's job.
Therefore, for that reason, anyone involved in a car accident should make sure there is a police report, especially if there are no potential witnesses.
Steps to Take If There's No Police Report for a Minor Car Accident
As mentioned, most drivers involved in auto accidents won't need a police report. Thus, it is important to know what steps to take after a crash or related incident. These are:
Taking pictures and recording the scene
Getting other drivers’ contact details
Getting any witnesses’ contact details
Requesting medical help
Saving all medical reports if necessary
Contacting insurance company
Retaining legal advice
Does a Person Need Legal Help?
When determining the circumstances that indicate liability, state laws differ. However, there is something the same in all laws: If there is no police report, it is even more crucial to demonstrate that the accident happened and that the other party was at fault.
Affected individuals must also prove that they suffered property damage or injuries by gathering evidence from other sources.
In general, an insurance company's duty is to measure skid marks and car locations to recreate the accident scene when there is no police record filed, no potential witnesses, and a parking lot collision.
When everything is taken into account, an insurance claim without supporting documentation like a police report will proceed as it should.
However, when that does not happen and there is no police report or other documents to support the claim, the affected people may need legal help.
What Lawyers Can Do for People Involved in Car Accidents with No Police Reports
Attorneys can help car accident victims build strong cases and fight for their rights, even if the incident is minor and there is no police report.
The experienced vehicle accident attorneys in St Louis MO know how each state's laws work and have worked on similar cases for years. Therefore, they understand all the steps of the legal process and can help the people involved in all the necessary aspects. In addition, lawyers usually take care of:
Collecting evidence
Talking to witnesses to collect statements
Seeking testimonials from specialists
Gathering medical documentation
Using the police report as evidence if available
All persons involved in a car accident have the right to seek help and legal assistance from a reputable law firm. Having a good lawyer can help provide answers to questions such as if it is illegal to abandon a car or what can a dump truck haul in Missouri.
At Powell Law Firm, we have a legal team equipped with reliable and highly experienced personal injury attorneys who can help all victims defend their legal rights, discuss disputes with insurers, and seek the outcome they deserve! Call (314) 470-1374 if you need help and get a free consultation today!